Job Description

Commercial Planner - Maternity Cover (Part-Time)

About McCrae Training:

Now in our 14th year of trading, McCrae Training is a trusted provider of high-quality Utility and Construction Sector training.

We are seeking a highly organised and commercially focused Planning Coordinator to join our team on a maternity leave cover basis.

Main Purpose of Role:

As Commercial Planner, you will be instrumental in the effective commercial planning and scheduling of commercial training programmes. This role ensures our trainers, assessor and resources are optimally allocated to meet Business commercial KPIs and targets, deliver exceptional client service, and support operational efficiency on a daily, weekly, monthly basis.

The role holder will pro-actively manage a 12 weekly rolling planning schedule, highlighting areas of commercial risk and ensure contingency plans and actions are implemented.

Key Responsibilities:

Proactively manage the planning, allocation and scheduling of commercial training programmes across the UK and Ireland. Allocate internal trainers/assessors and external training resources based on skill set, client requirements, and geography to maximise utilisation and revenue. Maintain and manage a forward-looking 12-week commercial training schedule. Consult daily with the Sales Department, Office Manager and Training Managers to ensure smooth delivery and minimal disruption. Lead weekly commercial planning meetings to report on resource capacity, scheduling challenges, and opportunities. Support the successful delivery of contracts in line with client SLAs (Service Level Agreements) and commercial KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). Communicate training schedules to clients and trainers promptly and accurately using phone calls first followed up with email confirmations. Consult directly with clients to confirm course bookings, trainer attendance, and site-specific logistics. Monitor trainer/assessor capacity and flag upcoming availability issues or resource shortages. Support commercial reporting, including tracking utilisation rates, course margins, and client service KPIs. Coordinate last-minute changes or cancellations, ensuring minimal impact on delivery and client satisfaction. Collaborate with the Sales team to forecast upcoming demand and match delivery capacity accordingly. Maintain high standards of data accuracy and confidentiality, especially when handling client or learner information. Ensure accurate reporting of commercial course delivery progress, including invoicing triggers and feedback metrics. Continuously evaluate and improve planning processes to optimise resource efficiency and client satisfaction. Operate against McCrae Training's Quality Management Systems and Code of Practice.

What We are Looking For:

Minimum 3 years of experience in Operations Planning, or Scheduling (required); commercial training or consultancy industry experience is advantageous. Demonstrated ability to manage a busy planning programme with multiple priorities and deadlines. Excellent understanding of Microsoft Office and or database systems. Strong commercial awareness and customer-focused mindset. Exceptional project management, organisational, time management, and communication skills. Logical thinker with an initiative-taking, solutions-focused approach. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced commercial environment.

Desirable (but not essential):

Understanding of the Utility and Construction sectors. Knowledge of educational qualifications and awarding body frameworks.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary. Company pension. Additional leave and sick pay. Staff discounts and company events. On-site parking. Monday-Friday between the hours of 08:00 and 16:30 (various shift options available from 30 hours per week, with 30-minute lunch).
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong project management and planning experience to step into a dynamic, commercial-facing role of a well-established and trusted training provider.

As commercial planner you will play a key role in ensuring client satisfaction and efficient delivery.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Contract length: 12 months

Expected hours: 30 per week

Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday No weekends
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 28/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025